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☆ Understanding 'funflation': The high price of having fun
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailUnderstanding 'funflation': The high price of having funJessica Reif Ehrlich, BofA Securities senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst, joins 'Power Lunch' to discuss the 'funflation' trends guiding the market.

Persons: Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: BofA Securities

☆ Disney's ESPN could be valued at $24 bln, likely buyers include Apple, Verizon - BofA
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Toy figures of people are seen in front of the displayed Disney + logo, in this illustration taken January 20, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsNov 1 (Reuters) - Walt Disney's ESPN sports network could secure an enterprise value of $24 billion and attract investment interest from sports leagues, tech firms like Apple and telecom majors including Verizon, according to BofA Global Research. Benefits to prospective buyers, however, appear "nebulous", BofA said. "ESPN is still a strong business and a premier brand, but it sits at the nexus of possible major business transformation. Reporting by Chavi Mehta in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'SilvaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Walt Disney's, Bob Iger, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, BofA, Chavi Mehta, Anil D'Silva Organizations: REUTERS, Walt Disney's ESPN, Apple, Verizon, BofA Global Research, ESPN, Disney, National Football League, National Basketball Association, Comcast, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru

☆ Here’s how Taylor Swift, consumer spending and this puzzling labor market fit together
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Karen Firestone | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

On several occasions, I would walk into Macy's and buy a tube of lipstick, which was something I found comforting. Considering that every lipstick I own, which is not a small number, is basically the same color, I also found that strange. For instance, rather than purchasing a new $400 dress, they might choose to buy a $35 tube of Lancôme lipstick. Let's look at the top-grossing concert tours in the U.S. this year. Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Ed Sheeran have collectively sold $1.48 billion in ticket sales through August 2023, or $2.22 billion on an annualized basis, according to estimates from Forbes .

Persons: Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Elton John, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Karen Firestone Organizations: Forbes, Bank of America, U.S . Census, National Association of Realtors, Asset Management Locations: Boston, U.S, Pollster

☆ The NBA is shooting for a new media rights deal worth up to $60 billion, nearly triple its previous pact, that will pay teams and players millions more
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-27 | by ( James Faris | Margaret Fleming | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Media analysts widely expect the league to select at least three distributors for its next media rights deal after the current setup expires in 2025. Comcast's NBCUniversal could be a frontrunner for a spot in the NBA's new media deal alongside Amazon, Nispel said. NBA players could be poised to earn sky-high paydaysThe NBA's last media deal — the $24 billion contract it struck in 2014 — was nearly triple the value of its previous pact. The pressure is now on the NBA to deliver a media deal that satisfies teams, athletes, and fans. Still, Macquarie media analyst Tim Nollen is optimistic about the size of the NBA's next media rights deal.

Persons: Jessica Reif Ehrlich, disruptors, Brandon Nispel, Nispel, —, Shirin Malkani, who's, Perkins, Leron Rogers, that's, Mark Patricof, Tim Nollen, Nollen, Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich Organizations: NBA, Media, ESPN, Warner Bros, TNT, Disney, Apple, NBC, Comcast, Wall Street, Bank of America, NFL, MLB, NHL, KeyBanc Capital, Amazon, Flagship, ABC, Prime, Industry, Patricof, Macquarie, Diamond Sports

☆ Netflix's trajectory for margins is 'very positive', says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNetflix's trajectory for margins is 'very positive', says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, BofA Securities senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Netflix's quarterly earnings results, after the company reported 8.8 million subscriber additions in Q3, what's behind the price increase, and more.

Persons: Jessica Reif Ehrlich Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: BofA Securities

☆ 'They crushed it.' Analysts cheer Netflix's strong third-quarter earnings
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Hakyung Kim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Netflix 's better-than-expected quarterly earnings has analysts cheering the company's new subscriber growth initiatives, keeping them optimistic on the stock's growth potential. Yoon increased his price target to $390 from $375, implying 12.6% upside potential from Wednesday's close. Shares already rallied more than 13% Thursday during premarket trading, surpassing his price target. Anmuth raised his price target to $480 from $455, implying shares could jump 38.6% from Wednesday's close. UBS, Citi and Evercore all reiterated their price targets of $500 on shares, while Bank of America kept its $525 target price.

Persons: Bernstein, Laurent Yoon, Yoon, Goldman Sachs, Eric Sheridan, Doug Anmuth, Anmuth, Brian Kraft, Kraft, John Hodulik, Hodulik, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Mark Mahaney, Mahaney, –, Michael Bloom Organizations: Netflix, ARM, JPMorgan, Deutsche, Bloomberg, UBS, Citi, Bank of America, of America, Global, Revenue Locations: U.S, Wednesday's

☆ UBS shares the only 4 media stocks worth buying now as the cable bundle collapses, the Disney-Charter conflict gets ugly, and streaming growth slows
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Media analysts say this dispute could be the beginning of the end for the cable bundle. After a decade of steady decline, the pay TV bundle now appears to be on life support. Charter refuses to pay Disney's higher asking price for its family of networks, including ESPN, without including Disney+ and Hulu in the bundle. The cable giant also wants its customers to have a Disney-free option for a reduced price, which may also be a non-starter. Otherwise, it plans to send its pay TV customers elsewhere.

Persons: Tim Nollen, That's, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, John Hodulik, Hodulik Organizations: Disney, Media, UBS, ESPN, Hulu, Macquarie, Bank of America, Netflix, Charter Locations: imploding

☆ Fight the market malaise with these ‘attractive’ stocks, Bank of America and Goldman say
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-02 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Goldman Sachs and Bank of America named an assortment of companies this week that they say have upside in the weeks ahead. NextEra Energy Buy the dip in shares of the renewable energy company, Goldman analyst Carley Davenport says. Endeavor Group Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich said earlier this week that shares of the media company offer "striking value." Endeavor Group- Bank of America, buy rating "An entourage of highly attractive assets. ... .We continue to believe that valuation is attractive..." H World Group Limited- Bank of America, buy rating "Shares weak despite solid results = attractive opportunity.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Goldman, Carley Davenport, Davenport, she's, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Reif Ehrlich, BofA, Neil Mehta, Mehta Organizations: Bank of America, CNBC, Marathon Petroleum, Endeavor, H, NextEra, Florida, Endeavor Group Bank of America, WWE, UFC, Media, Entertainment, MPC, Petroleum, ~$ Locations: China

☆ 'Our favorite name:' Why analysts are still bullish on Disney after latest earnings report
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-10 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Despite a mixed fiscal third-quarter report, Wall Street analysts are positive on Disney going forward. Morgan Stanley's Benjamin Swinburne maintained an overweight rating with a $105 per share price target, or 20% upside from Wednesday's close. JPMorgan's Philip Cusick similarly reiterated an overweight rating with a $125 per share price target on Disney, which implied upside of 43%. Goldman Sachs' Brett Feldman, meanwhile, has a buy rating on Disney stock with a price target of $128 per share, or 46% upside from Wednesday's close. Citi's Jason Bazinet reiterated a buy rating on Disney stock accompanied by a $125 per share price target.

Persons: Morgan Stanley's Benjamin Swinburne, Swinburne, JPMorgan's Philip Cusick, " Cusick, Goldman Sachs, Brett Feldman, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Bob Iger's, Ehrlich, Jason Bazinet, Disney's, Michael Bloom Organizations: Wall Street, Disney, DIS, Media, ESPN . Bank of America, ESPN Bet

☆ All of Netflix's drivers of growth are super high margin, says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailAll of Netflix's drivers of growth are super high margin, says BofA Securities’ Jessica Reif EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, BofA Securities senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss Netflix quarterly earnings results, the effect of password crackdown, growth outlook, and more.

Persons: Jessica Reif Ehrlich Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: BofA Securities, Netflix

☆ Analysts say Netflix investors should 'buy the pullback,' as password sharing 'supercharges' subscriber growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Wall Street analysts were positive on Netflix after its latest subscriber additions and largely dismissed concerns of that the monetization of paid sharing is too slow. The company added 5.9 million subscribers in the quarter in a sign that its password sharing crackdown and advertising tier is generating new subscribers. "2Q review: Password sharing supercharges subs Netflix (NFLX) reported healthy 2Q results, which reflected strong net adds of 5.9mn (vs. guidance of ~1.75mn and our 2.95mn est. ), indicating the initial rollout of password sharing has been very positive," the analyst wrote on Thursday. Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall said investors are "over-exuberant on paid sharing," though he reiterated an overweight rating on the stock.

Persons: Doug Anmuth, Anmuth, America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall, Needham's Laura Martin, NFLX, OTT, — CNBC's Michael Bloom, Alex Sherman Organizations: Netflix, " Bank, America's, DIS Locations: Wednesday's

☆ Netflix Set to Report Earnings, Against the Backdrop of Two Strikes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Nicole Sperling | More About Nicole Sperling | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Netflix has been on the receiving end of much of the vitriol surrounding the strike, primarily from writers who say the economics of the streaming era have eroded their working conditions and hurt their overall compensation. The company already contended with angry shareholders last month, when they voted to reject lucrative pay packages for the company’s top executives. A rosy earnings report could certainly inflame those on the picket lines. Obviously, I will ask them about the strikes, but they have other things going on, like password sharing, which has nothing to do with the strike. I just don’t know how carefully worded or guarded they will be because of the potential reaction by the guilds.”The company has already seen some benefits from the strike.

Persons: ”, Jessica Reif Ehrlich Organizations: Netflix, Bank of America, HBO, Brothers, ” Netflix, Consumers, “ Locations: WarnerMedia, United States, United Kingdom

☆ These sectors outperformed in the first half. How analysts are playing them for the rest of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The S & P 500 is closing out a strong first half thanks in large part to three sectors. The broader market index is up more than 15% year to date, on track for its best first half since 2019. The bulk of those gains came from three sectors — tech, consumer discretionary and communication services — which are up more than 30% each. Given this backdrop, CNBC Pro used FactSet data to screen the top three performing sectors to find which names analysts expect to outperform in the second half. Earlier this week, KeyBanc downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight, citing concerns at multiple of the company's divisions .

Persons: Disney, KeyBanc, Bank of America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich, Goldman Sachs, Brian Lee, it's, Lee, SolarEdge, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Nvidia, CNBC Pro, Bank of America's, Disney, SolarEdge Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts Locations: Vegas

☆ Bank of America upgrades Comcast, saying it is 'poised for a strong turnaround'
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bank of America is upbeat on shares of legacy media company Comcast as its latest quarter provided evidence that a turnaround is nearing. Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich highlighted the resilience of the company's media segment as a factor contributing to her upgrade. CMCSA YTD mountain Comcast could add another 18% upside for investors after gaining as much from the start of the year, according to Bank of America. "...Film is on fire, with animation exceptionally strong, which will especially benefit Peacock (where losses are peaking), but also support Theme Parks," Reif Ehrlich said. Meanwhile, Comcast's strong balance sheet remains noteworthy, Reif Ehrlich added.

☆ Netflix shares drop after mixed earnings. Here's what the experts have to say
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Christina Falso | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailNetflix shares drop after mixed earnings. Here's what the experts have to sayJim Cramer, Jessica Reif Ehrlich of Bank of America Securities, Michael Nathanson of SVB MoffettNathanson, John Blackledge of Cowen and Bill Nygren of Oakmark Funds on what they think about Netflix.

☆ Analysts say Netflix's password crackdown could reaccelerate growth, though concerns linger
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Netflix's mixed quarterly results had something for the bulls and the bears, as analysts weighed their outlook on the streaming service against a delay in the password sharing crackdown and lackluster guidance. Hodulik upgraded Netflix to buy from neutral, saying he expects growth will inflect with double-digit profit growth and rising free cash flow. What's more, he said restricting password sharing could become "meaningfully accretive" for Netflix as soon as the third quarter. Netflix turned to an ad-supported plan, and a password sharing crackdown, after reporting its first subscriber loss last year. He cited mixed subscriber growth, light guidance, and uncertainty around the delayed rollout in the password sharing crackdown.

☆ These stocks have the most upside in the second-quarter, analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

CNBC Pro combed through the most recent quarterly research reports to find stocks with upside as the new quarter gets underway. They include: Simon Property, Spotify , Netflix , Enphase and Palo Alto Networks. Palo Alto Networks The cybersecurity company is firing on all cylinders, RBC said earlier this week in its top second-quarter picks note to clients. Hedberg believes Palo Alto has a unique opportunity to take share in a rapidly burgeoning field. ... .We view Palo Alto as well positioned to benefit from an increasingly complex security and threat landscape and as an industry leader in security."

☆ Inside Disney it's 'Revenge of the Creatives' and 'Shields Up!' against outside foes as returned CEO Bob Iger is taking no prisoners
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

Since returning as Disney CEO, Bob Iger has vanquished foes and dumped many of predecessor Bob Chapek's hires. But it's a supercharged Bob Iger who is really taking command. "If I'm inside Bob's head coming back, after the downfall of Bob Chapek, this is all about taking no prisoners," said Will Schutte, a high-level executive coach. Disney World is scheduled to host a major conference on gay rights in September, according to the Miami Herald. Even if he wants to be the Bob Iger of old he can't be.

☆ Bob Iger has handled himself incredibly well since he's been back to Disney: BofA's Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBob Iger has handled himself incredibly well since he's been back to Disney: BofA's EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst at BofA Securities, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss how Ehrlich is considering Disney's stock, Disney's theme park business, and more.

Bank of America thinks media giant Paramount could see big gains ahead. She also hiked her price target on Paramount to $32 per share from $24 per share, implying upside of 54.1%. Ehrlich noted the company's list of strong assets that could aid the business if it ever puts itself up for sale. Shares of Paramount popped 5.4% in premarket trading Tuesday, adding to the company's 23% gain from the start of the year. PARA YTD mountain Bank of America sees Paramount as a buy thanks to the company's strong assets in the event of a sale of the business.

[1/3] The signage at the main gate of The Walt Disney Co. is pictured in Burbank, California, May 7, 2012. This is a win for all shareholders," a spokesperson for Peltz's Trian Fund Management said on Thursday. The decision, first reported by CNBC, came only hours after Disney reported earnings that topped Wall Street expectations and Iger outlined a corporate restructuring that addresses many of Peltz' criticisms. Disney's stock price climbed 3.6% in Thursday trading. "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for Disney."

☆ Analysts praise Disney's cost-cutting plan, say focus on profitability is 'restoring the magic'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The cost-saving initiatives unveiled by Disney on Wednesday give analysts another reason to remain bullish on the media giant. The commentary from analysts comes after the company on Wednesday revealed plans to cut 7,000 jobs and slash $5.5 billion in costs . "Bob Iger laid out a plan for cost cuts, content and streaming rationalization and ultimately improved profitability," said Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall in a Wednesday note to clients. "An execution story is a cleaner catalyst path, and the shares should track higher on confidence + estimates." "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for DIS," she said.

☆ Watch CNBC's full interview with Bank of America's Jessica Reif Ehrlich
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch CNBC's full interview with Bank of America's Jessica Reif EhrlichJessica Reif Ehrlich, senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst at BofA Securities, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to break down her buy rating on Disney.

Disney issued a statement applauding Peltz's decision to end a board challenge which it called a "distraction. 'FIRST PHASE' IN DISNEY'S TRANSFORMATIONFor Peltz's Trian Fund Management the board challenge appears to have paid off with an estimated 20% gain on his investment. Analysts said Peltz made a reasonable request for one board seat and to join the 12-member board himself. Peltz appeared on CNBC on Thursday to announce his proxy fight with Disney was over. "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for Disney."

☆ BofA Securities' Jessica Reif Ehrlich discusses her buy rating on Disney
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBofA Securities' Jessica Reif Ehrlich discusses her buy rating on DisneyJessica Reif Ehrlich, senior U.S. media and entertainment analyst at BofA Securities, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to break down her buy rating on Disney.

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